Niuzao the Black Ox is one of the four creatures known as the August Celestials who watch over Pandaria. Niuzao watches over the Townlong Steppes and Dread Wastes and is sometimes referred to as the Western Celestial. He is the spirit of fortitude. He has been referred to as the strength of the west and protector of the weak.[2] As such, he is served by the Niuzao sentinels.

History

The Mogu Empire

During Lei Shen's conquest of Pandaria, he and the mogu overpowered the four August Celestials. During this time, Niuzao showed fear when he was surrounded by an army of lifelike clay mogu that he had mistaken to be real. The mogu conquered the black ox that day.[3]

The Burdens of Shaohao

As Emperor Shaohao attempted to cross the Serpent's Spine, he was overcome by fear, afraid of the nearby Mantid. Niuzao spoke to him from across the steppes, telling him that if he was afraid, he should just follow his own feet and they would lead him to where he needed to go. This was exactly the advice the emperor needed, as the Sha of Fear's infamous ability was to make someone afraid to act even though it was certain they would succeed. Emperor Shaohao eventually found his courage when his friend the Monkey King was in danger, breaking away from the fear that would have prevented him from acting.

He also granted his powers to the Golden Lotus warriors when the mogu invaded the vale after the death of Zhi the Harmonious.

Escalation

As part of Wrathion's legendary journey, he and an adventurer visited the mighty Black Ox in order to get his blessing.

Timeless Isle

The trial of Niuzao is a test of bravery and fortitude. When Emperor Shaohao was overcome with fear, the Black Ox counseled him to face his fears directly. After a protracted battle with the Sha of Fear, the Emperor emerged victorious. To pass the trial of the Ox, warriors must be resolute in the face of overwhelming danger.[4]

Siege of Orgrimmar

During the quest [90] Why Do We Fight?, the celestials alongside the ghost of Shaohao, Lorewalker Cho and Adventurer gathered around to begin to heal the Vale. As he stands before the tree he knew in the end that the hero that caused the havoc on Pandaria, and did set it right to be proved worthy.

Aftermath

<Niuzao nods approvingly at you.>

War Crimes

Niuzao and other Celestials chose to hold a trial involving the members of the Alliance and Horde rather than sentence Garrosh Hellscream among themselves. During the trial, Niuzao took the form of a strong, muscular tauren male as a show of respect to the gathered races.[5]

Trivia

Niuzao (牛皂, Niú zào) is Chinese for, roughly, "black ox".

In the original four symbols of Chinese mythology which the August Celestials are based on, there is a Black Tortoise rather than a black ox. The tortoise is also in the North while the white tiger is in the West.

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